Introduction to Chemistry
Overview
To provide a diverse range of beginner chemistry students an appreciation and understanding of the fundamental concepts of chemistry necessary to achieve the breadth of scientific knowledge required for a science degree, and to undertake further study in the chemistry, environmental science, biochemistry, and biotechnology majors.
Requisites
31-May-2026
01-November-2026
Unit learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Demonstrate theoretical comprehension of the structure of atoms and molecules, Lewis structures, simple reaction writing, stoichiometry and the mole concept, chemical equilibria, acids and bases, spectroscopy and the gas laws
- Apply problem-solving skills to tasks involving the above theoretical skills
- Conduct accurate and precise laboratory analyses using a range of laboratory techniques
- Articulate understandings of the theory through the medium of laboratory report writing
- Describe and employ laboratory occupational health and safety best practices
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus Lecture | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| On-campus Class | 2.00 | 10 weeks | 20 |
| On-campus Lab | 2.00 | 8 weeks | 16 |
| Online Learning activities | 3.00 | 12 weeks | 36 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning | 4.50 | 12 weeks | 54 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | Individual | 40 - 50% | 1,2 |
| Laboratory Report | Individual/Group | 10 - 20% | 1,2,3,4,5 |
| Practical Examination | Individual | 10 - 20% | 1,2,3,4,5 |
| Quizzes | Individual | 5 - 15% | 1,2 |
| Test | Individual | 10 - 20% | 1,2 |
Hurdle
As the minimum requirements of assessment to pass a unit and meet all ULOs to a minimum standard, an undergraduate student must have achieved:
(i) Â Â An aggregate mark of 50% or more, and(ii) Â At least 40% in the final exam, and(iii) Completion of a specific fraction of non-reportable laboratory work based on the criteria for successful completion as explained in the lab handout(s).Students who do not successfully achieve hurdle requirements (ii) and (iii) will receive a maximum of 45% as the total mark for the unit.
Content
- The composition of matter
- Structure of the atom
- Ionic and covalent bonding
- Mathematical skills for chemists
- The mole concept
- Chemical equations and stoichiometry
- Chemical equilibria
- Acids and bases
- An introduction to quantitative spectroscopy
- Gas laws
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.